This poster prepared by Dr. Gehl outlines what is expected from First Nations Allies.
Main points (summarized):
Allies, oppose oppressive power structures out of interest not guilt,
Allies, recognize they are secondary to Indigenous people and their needs take a back seat to them,
Allies, are fully grounded in their own history and culture,
Allies, are aware of their privileges and discuss them,
Allies, reflect on their ignorance of the groups oppression and hold this ignorance at the forefront of their mind,
Allies, need to use critical thought versus subjectivity to understand the larger power structure of oppression,
Allies, must ensure the needs of the most oppressed are looked after these being: women, children, elderly, young teenage girls and boys and the disabled. Any other action is inadequate and serves to promote the structures of oppression,
Sometimes Allies are chosen to further an agenda that isn't in line with Indigenous people and people should act accordinglyAllies, do not take up space, resources or anything that an oppressed group uses.
Allies, do not take up time at meetings or events, they must listen more than they speak.
Allies realize that they do not understand the extend of oppression as much as the oppressed group does, and
Allies, accept that learning is a responsibility to being an effective ally.
To read the full text, the link is posted on the Idle No More's official website.I e-mailed Jessica Gordon on February 2 after reading this poster with the following questions.
Text of the e-mail with headers removed.
The numbers refer to specific headings in the "Ally Bill of Responsibilities"
"My questions are:
Is Idle No More endorsing a document that classifies every other
citizen of Canada who is not First Nations as secondary to First Nations
as stated in point #2 of the document?
That all those who are not First Nations are ignorant as stated in point #5?
Points #7 and 8 are unclear are you able to clarify the meaning for me?
That
according to point #10 even if First Nations members who are male are
given any support that this aids to promote oppression?
And in points #12 that Non Native leadership is invalid?
Point #15 are Non-Native people expected not to have a voice in community meetings or events?
Is this the direction that Idle No More is headed?
How do you think Idle No More supporters will react to this document?
Thank you for your time Mrs Gordon, I look forward to hearing from you."
On February 5, 2013, Windspeaker issued an article by Sylvia McAdams another of the founders of Idle No More, "Creative resistance" continues battle with "dangerous" policies.
In this article McAdams explains the origin, methods and aims of Idle No More.
“I think this is where people are mistaking Idle No More as an Indigenous movement; really, it’s a grassroots movement for all people. It’s an energetic movement, and it’s bound to inspire all walks of life. It’s a beautiful movement and people want to be a part of it. It’s inspired grassroots people to be creative in their resistance. When we speak of water and the protection of water and land, of course it’s going to motivate and inspire people to want to protect that for our children and the generations to come.”
Conclusion.
“If you’re thinking about joining this movement, whether you’re Indigenous or non-Indigenous, I ask that you put the past injustices aside, and join Idle No More for the love of our children, and for the love of all of our lands and our waters. That’s what we ask.” Windspeaker, Volume 30, Issue 11, Year 2013.
McAdam's again states that Idle No More is a grassroots movement that is not only about First Nations, how the issues will affect all Canadians and how everyone should cooperate to protect the lands and waters. However, the "Ally Bill of Responsibilities" posted on Idle No More's site demonstrates a stance that puts First Nations ahead of even their supporters.
To clarify Idle No More's position, I again e-mailed both Mrs McAdam and Mrs Gordon.
They have not responded to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment